Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Ryder Cup ticket shame

Sinn Féin Dublin Mid West representative Joanne Spain has reacted
angrily to recent reports that local councillors accepted tickets for this
year's much coveted Ryder Cup from a prominent land developer.

The situation was brought to her attention by Clondalkin councillor and
party colleague Shane O'Connor, who revealed to the public the offer Menolly
Homes had made.

Cllr O' Connor said: " A number of councillors across South Dublin had
accepted tickets for Thursday 21 September, worth over €500 each and
even had the audacity to ask for extra tickets for their partners.

"You have to ask why a large developer would be inviting councillors to
the Ryder Cup and offering them corporate hospitality - what does he want in
return? To me, it's absolutely disgraceful.

"I am fully aware of those who accepted the invitation. There was more
than one Fianna Fáil councillor who gladly took the invitation. I am
calling on those councillors to own up in order to ensure the integrity of
the council in voting on future planning matters."

Ms Spain said: "It smacks of stupidity that in the era of the tribunal,
any politician in this country could think that it is still alright to be
courted by big business groups.

"Councillors are elected and paid to serve the people and bring about
progress in their communities. They are not given that important
responsibility so they can indulge in lavish days out with land speculators.
How do the councillors, who took or were about to take these tickets, think
their constituents in the more neglected areas of South Dublin County
Council feel about them putting their feet up in a corporate tent, enjoying
champagne at the Ryder Cup? The acceptance of such gifts represents a clear
conflict of interest." ENDS